As the name suggests, explorer yachts are built for adventure, with long ranges, plentiful storage and ice-cleaving hulls that allow owners to access the further corners of the globe. Ahead of the 2024 Explorer Yachts Summit, BOAT takes a look at five standout explorer yachts for sale, including the star of Christopher Nolan's sci-fi thrillerTenet...
Yersin
Length: 76.6m
Builder: Piriou
Year: 2015
Built in steel and aluminium by French commercial yard Piriou and owing her design to Pierre-Jacques Kubis, Yersin was delivered in 2015 as an "eco-friendly" expedition yacht. She is equipped with advanced water treatment and recycling solutions and a diesel-electric propulsion that system spreads its power production over six generators to burn fuel more efficiently. On the leisure side, the explorer is setup with enough space for a 30-square-metre spa, cinema, swimming pool, sushi bar and library. She is currently completing her 10-year survey.
Yersin is asking €59,000,000 with Edmiston.
Planet Nine
Length: 73.2m
Builder: Admiral - The Italian Sea Group
Year: 2018
Making a special appearance in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending blockbuster Tenet, Planet Nine was built with serious go-anywhere characteristics. Her ice-classed hull, constructed with thick hull plates, strong frames and bulkheads are suited to cruise Greenland, Antarctica and everywhere in between. This is complemented by careful protection of her seawater intakes, to ensure she can withstand cold temperatures and deal with sea ice up to 15 centimetres thick. British designer Tim Heywood created her exterior styling, while her light and contemporary interiors are courtesy of Mlinaric, Henry and Zervudachi. Other features include a forward-facing observation lounge, a sundeck Jacuzzi and an owners’ deck fitted with a private lounge, terrace and study.
Planet Nine is asking €79,500,000 with Fraser.
Nansen Explorer
Length: 71.6m
Builder: Laivateollisuus
Year: 1983
Built in "special steel" in 1983 by Finnish shipbuilder Laivateollisuus, Nansen Explorer is one of 10 sisterships and is reaping the rewards of a significant refit in 2021. Her exterior was designed in-house by the yard, with her interiors courtesy of NMI and Ashild Landevaag, Landz Architects. The 1A ice-classed vessel is now up to class, with a commercially certified helipad (with a capacity of 4.8 tonnes), stern thrusters and a large lounge area. Accommodation is for a party of 12 in seven cabins, with quarters for a crew of 22 in 17 cabins. Fitted with a commercial helideck, combined with the ability to refuel a helicopter or a mothership, she is said to be "the ultimate in exploration".
Nansen Explorer is asking €15,900,000 with Y.CO.
Beauport
Length: 51.5m
Builder: Davie Shipbuilding
Year: 1960
Beauport was built by Davie Shipbuilding for the Canadian Coast Guard and designed with light ice breaking capabilities. Since then, this 51.5-metre explorer has been constantly upgraded, following numerous refits after an original multi-million-dollar conversion in 1993. She has Collingwood to thank for both her naval architecture and exterior design, with accommodation for a party of 20 across 10 suites. Special features of this expedition yacht include a helipad and several tender boats.
Beauport is asking $4,895,000 with Fraser.
Scintilla Maris
Length: 45.6m
Builder: Damen Maaskant
Year: 1988
Originally delivered in 1988, Scintilla Maris is a 45.6-metre expedition yacht tailored to long-range, autonomous cruising. Over a four-year refit at Damen Maaskant, she was stripped to bare steel and reimagined while still retaining her original, rugged exterior. Inside, her new design is a blend of skylights, sweeping walls, and bold colours. Scintilla Maris now accommodates 10 guests in a spacious layout, including an owner's suite under the original hatch that once led to the fish hold. She also benefits from a hybrid-electric propulsion system and four operational modes.
Scintilla Maris is asking €19,250,000 with Burgess.
Fox
Length: 34.9m
Builder: Pendennis
Year: 2024
Christened after famous Falmouth inventor Robert Were Fox the Younger, the 34.9-metre Fox "represent[s] the very best of British engineering and interior design". Her interior and exterior were styled by Q London, while naval architecture was developed by Diana Yacht Design. Key features include an expansive open aft deck, with capacity to store Jet Skis, quad bikes and "even a sub". Meanwhile, accommodation comprises a full-beam, main deck master cabin and a further four en suite cabins. Following her delivery this year, Ian Sherwood, of Burgess, said "you don’t have to spend an 80-metre budget to have a yacht that will take you to interesting places".
Fox is asking €18,000,000 with Burgess.
Read More/Explorer yacht vs motor yacht: What makes an explorer yacht?